Nothing kills a relaxing evening in London or Stratford like stepping out to your hot tub only to find the water is cold, the jets aren’t firing, or the screen is flashing a cryptic error code.
Before you panic, many common hot tub issues have straightforward causes. At Custom LeisureScapes, we’ve spent over 40 years diagnosing spa systems across Southwestern Ontario. Here is a guide to the most frequent “hot tub headaches” and how to address them.
If your water temperature is dropping, your heater is likely struggling or has shut down entirely.
The Cause: This is often caused by a “High Limit” trip (the heater protecting itself from overheating) or a failed heating element.
The Fix: Start by checking your filters. A dirty filter restricts water flow, which is the #1 cause of heater shut-offs. Try removing the filters and restarting the tub—if the heater kicks back on, you just need a deep clean or a new set of cartridges.
Is your control panel screaming at you?
FLO: This means “Flow” issues. Ensure your water level is high enough (middle of the skimmer) and that no jets are blocked.
OH (Overheat): Usually caused by a pump running too long on high speed or a faulty sensor. Turn the power off and let it cool down.
DR (Dry): The system thinks there is no water in the heater. Check for “air locks” in the plumbing, which often happen after a fresh fill.
Are your jets feeling more like a gentle trickle than a massage?
The Cause: Most likely an air lock or a clogged pump impeller.
The Fix: If you just refilled the tub, try “burping” the pump by slightly loosening the union nut on the discharge side of the pump until air escapes and water trickles out. Remember to tighten it back up immediately!
If your hot tub immediately kills the power when you turn it on, don’t keep flipping the switch.
The Cause: This usually indicates a short circuit. The most common culprits are a corroded heating element or a moisture-damaged ozonator.
The Fix: This is a safety issue. Stop using the tub and call a professional. Dealing with high-voltage electricity and water requires specialized tools and licensing.
Sometimes, a DIY fix isn’t enough—especially when dealing with complex circuit boards or internal plumbing leaks.
At Custom LeisureScapes, we offer a Priority Service Queue for homeowners in London and Stratford. Our $179 Flat-Rate Diagnostic includes:
Senior Technician Analysis: A comprehensive onsite audit of your mechanical and electronic systems.
Immediate Repair Attempt: We carry common failure parts on our trucks to get you back in hot water during the first hour whenever possible.
Transparent Quoting: If we need a special-order part, you’ll get a fixed-price quote on the spot before we move forward.
In our Ontario climate, a malfunctioning tub in the winter can quickly lead to cracked pipes and a total loss of the unit. Getting a professional diagnostic removes the guesswork and protects your investment.
Is your spa acting up? Contact Custom LeisureScapes today to book your Priority Service Call!
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